Fireworks and horses

Horses can be easily frightened by fireworks. They are sensitive animals with a strong instinct to run from danger. Horses can hurt themselves or others when distressed and, tragically, every year some horses are seriously injured or lose their lives after being spooked by fireworks, with loud noises posing a particular risk.

To help protect horses - along with other animals and many people - Redwings' Keep Horses In Mind campaign wants low-noise fireworks (below 90 decibels) to become standard for the UK. We believe this allows fireworks to be used and enjoyed while preventing many of the serious harms associated with traditional fireworks.

Westminster wants to hear from you!

A government consultation is giving YOU the opportunity to share your thoughts on proposed changes to fireworks regulation. Running until October 8th, the consultation is a chance for any charity, business, group or individual to respond to the proposals and share their views and experiences.

Consultations are a vital step on the road to regulatory change but we need help to get it over the line. Let’s ensure horses, other animals and vulnerable people are better protected from fireworks by taking part in this important consultation.

You can respond by following the link below - thank you!

The real impact of fireworks

Every year, horses die or are severely injured in fireworks-related incidents. Three of our Redwings ponies have lost their lives to illness or injury resulting from their attempts to get away from fireworks being let off nearby.

Frightened horses are a danger to themselves, their companions and people. Horses escaping onto roads also present a real threat to the safety of road users.

At Redwings, we believe a review of current legislation around fireworks is essential. It’s a vital first step towards better controlling who can use these hazardous explosive devices, and under what conditions. We would like what constitutes breaking the law to be clearly defined and enforced.

Take action

Respond to consultation

Write to your MP

Download the BHS Horse i app

Report an incident to the RSPCA

Your experiences and the latest on fireworks

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Over 95% of horse owners want tighter fireworks regulation

Our Fireworks and Horses survey in 2024 was completed by more than 5,000 horse owners. The data showed that 87% worry about the potential impact of fireworks on their horses and more than two-thirds know that a horse in their care has been negatively impacted by fireworks on at least one occasion. Of those horses affected, outcomes included escaping, injuring a person, becoming ill or injured or even losing their life. More than 95% of survey respondents want to see tighter regulation of fireworks and just over 90% think that more use of low-noise fireworks or alternatives to fireworks would benefit horse welfare.
Read the full survey report on the link below and take a look at our Action Plan to see what else you can do to help.

Fireworks impact at Redwings 2023

Our Nights Team captured footage at our Norfolk farms showing the impact that nearby firework displays had on some of our rescued residents.

“Horses die or are injured in fireworks-related incidents every year and Redwings wholeheartedly welcomes the tighter regulations that Scotland has introduced and is calling on Westminster to follow their lead."

Helen Whitelegg

Research and Policy Officer

“The financial cost of the extra measures we take during the fireworks season is not insignificant to a charity like ours, but obviously our residents’ welfare is our top priority, and we do everything we can to keep them safe and happy.”

Lynn Cutress

Chief Executive

Fireworks and the law

We would like MPs to support a review of regulations around the sale and use of fireworks. This should take into account the multiple adverse impacts of fireworks that take place every year.

We welcome Scotland's introduction of new fireworks legislation in 2022. We support the increasing public calls for a similar approach to be taken in Westminster to update current regulations.

One reason we are committed to better regulation and enforcement of fireworks is that their adverse effects go far beyond horses. Dogs, cats, other pets, livestock and wildlife can all be impacted. Many humans find fireworks intolerable, including military veterans affected by PTSD and people with sensory conditions such as autism. Injuries and accidents increase the burden on our public services every year.

Redwings Horse Sanctuary hosted a roundtable discussion on Wednesday 27 March 2024 to explore the viability of using the Animal Welfare Act as a means of holding individuals to account in cases where fireworks are believed to have inadvertently led to the injury or death of an animal.

You can read our ground-breaking report on the Animal Welfare Act and fireworks here (PDF 652 KB).

Preparing for fireworks season

The use of fireworks is increasing according to staff at a number of different Redwings sites. Fireworks are now expected for at least the first two weeks of November, as well as on New Year’s Eve, and throughout the year for private celebrations. Fireworks can be frightening for many horses. Use our checklist to help keep your horse safe and relaxed during fireworks season.

•    Try and find out when and where local displays will be held to help you plan. We've provided a template letter (DOCX 97 KB) you can send to your neighbours to discover who may be letting off fireworks in your local area and when .
•    Horses find change stressful so stick to their usual routine as far as possible.
•    Keep friends together. Horses cope better with their pals around.
•    Keep a close eye on horses who are in a new environment and/or a new routine.
•    Give horses a distraction such as extra hay or a treat ball. Stable mirrors can be helpful for stabled horses but introduce them at least a few days before a fireworks display to check a horse is happy with one.
•    Music or a podcast may help mask the noise of fireworks for stabled horses.
•    Double-check paddocks in use for hazards such as holes, broken fence rails or loose gate catches to minimise risks for spooked horses.
•    Have a fire extinguisher available in case of stray fireworks.
•    Check for spent firework casings in the morning.

There aren’t always easy answers to help horses cope with fireworks. If you’re really worried, try having a friendly chat with display organisers or speak to your vet for advice.

Fireworks and Redwings – podcast

Listen to our Field Notes podcast about fireworks. It’s a deep dive into what we do to prepare for Bonfire Night, why we feel so strongly about fireworks, and how you can help.

Useful links

Redwings has repeatedly seen first-hand the risks that fireworks routinely present to horses, and the financial and emotional cost on people who care for them. Horses are just one species of the many animals who are negatively affected by fireworks, not to mention many humans who experience distress and even physical injury as a result of firework use.

Fireworks and horses

Westminster wants to hear from you!